Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Deriving an Absolute Value in a Macro.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 16, 2020)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
VBA provides a function to return the absolute value of an expression. For those who might not remember from math class, an absolute value is the positive equivalent of any expression. Thus, if a formula would normally result in a negative value, such as —27, the absolute value of that formula would result in the positive equivalent, or 27.
The syntax for the absolute value function is as follows:
x = Abs(y)
where x is the result and y is a value or an expression that evaluates to a value.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2446) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Deriving an Absolute Value in a Macro.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Macros are often used to process information in a workbook. If your macro makes changes in what is selected in the ...
Discover MoreMacros give you a great deal of control over creating, finding, renaming, and deleting files. This tip focuses on this ...
Discover MoreIf you are using a macro to process a number of worksheets, you may have a need to know if the worksheet is empty or not. ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments